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Responses
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Day 4 – ‘E’ Shape Exam
Responses
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I’ve worked on the F chord for some time now and it’s getting better. I’m more comfortable moving my index up past the neck a little. The notes on all strings sound clear but at times the low E string is buzzy. Hand fatigue is a slight problem but I’m hoping with time my endurance will improve.
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Usually, the more I play the better I get. The more I play the F chord, the more tired my hand gets, the worst it sounds. I will practice to build strength in my hand.
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Of all the chords the F chord from today has sounded the best out of all the barre chords. Still a bit of muting going on but better than the other days! I am seeing progress!
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Tony,
It would helpful if you shared exactly where your invisible thumb is placed behind the neck! It seems to work best when the thumb opposes the base of the index finger at the level of the B string, which is the peskiest string to sound clearly. -
Mini Barre F, E shaped barre chord – it doesn’t matter. I’m currently unable to do it. In both cases, I simply am unable to get anything resembling clarity out of the B and high E strings. Especially if I am doing the E shaped barre chord. The A, D and G strings seem to work, but the other three are a lost cause. My index finger simply won’t rotate enough for me to get good contact across the E, B and high E strings. Color me discouraged. I’ll keep working it, though.
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SAME
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@GaryRC I feel your frustration because I have felt exactly the same. It may not help you but, for what it’s worth, the problem may be in the guitar you’re using. When I try to make barre chords on my Martin it’s next to impossible because the strings are too far above the fretboard. On my other guitar, a cheap Recording King, the action is lower and it’s much easier to make barre chords. If you have another guitar, it might be worth it to try the barre chords on it (or them).
-
I appreciate the tip. Unfortunately, this is my one and only, so I have no choice but to do “the best I can”. I’m satisfied, and that’s what counts. I can always use the A and E shape barre chords, without the low and high E strings. That suffices in a pinch.
Thanks again for reading my notes and commenting.
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-
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Extra light strings, a professionally setup guitar…makes a huge difference in making good bar chords…truss rod adjustment by knowledgeable tech…all the best !
-
Not perfect, but definitely better than at the beginning of week. Glad you’re making us focus on these difficult chord shapes.
-
Is it typical to have to put down alot of pressure on my index finger or is it a function that my finger is not laying down correctly (I have a small angle of the index finger). I get tremendous amount of hand and elbow pain when doing the barre chord. Any ideas on if this is normal or I am just not doing it right. My guitar has been set up and I have light strings. Thx!
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Dave, I’ll have to admit that I have to hang on for dear life to get barre chords , but, remember to focus on the high E, low E and B strings and roll your index finger a little. I often have to move my index finger a little and pick the string until I get rid of the buzz. For me, it’s always a work in progress. Keep at it and you’ll get it. Good luck.
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After 54 years, I have conquered the F Barre Chord!!! Big win!!
-
Challenging but important to keep trying,agree the b string is the most difficult
-
I have f bar chord down, so I have been moving up the neck doing g,a,b,c and d. I must adjust my hand position as I move up the neck.
Good exercise, should make this a daily routine.
I also prefer this over the mini F. -
I can do this but become fatigued and uncomfortable after about a minute or less. Makes me realize how much I need to work on strength. I’ll keep at it.
-
I’ m having a real tough time with bar cord. Trying to put the pressure on all strings is a challenge
-
Feeling pretty good about my barre chords – I think I get a B+.
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If this was an exam I probably got a C. I’ll keep at it and incorporate the barre F into songs I play.
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Working on it. Thanks to @SharonSings for encouragement yesterday.
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Everything except that stinkin’ B string!
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I love the work this week. It is difficult for me to get consistent on the B string but slowly making progress. I can see where adding these exercises even a few minutes a week will pay off. Something to look forward to.
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This one came together fairly quickly. I have to agree that it is easier than the mini F . That is my nemesis….
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I struggle with the mini also.
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I could do it better a couple of days ago; now it’s all gone to … pieces.
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Musch more difficult than yesterday. But managed to do it.
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Much improved in just a couple of days. Thanks!
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I confess I’m not enjoying the Barre chords. Having a really hard time. I tried though.
-
This is a good one to start out with a little at a time. When I started barre cords – “ouch” for finders and ears! I’m still not perfect but can get them done.
I started with just one run through and then went to something else. Come back did two runs and another break. I and do about 40-60 seconds before my fingers give out. (Longer than any songs require me to hold a F-barre thankfully.)
This is not as fancy as some review weeks but it’s nice to come back to barre cords and feel and hear the improvements.
Thank You Tony -
I was able to complete the challenge after several attempts. My problem is that my index finger slides down a little bit toward the body as I am ascending so by the time I get back to the low F it is a little muted. It took several attempts to get it right. I can see that this test is going to be something I need to add to my daily routine. Not looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge. A shaped B chords are my nemeses (or one of them anyway).
-
A win for another full week of barre chord challenges…..not easy & more practice time with this including fingers strength is needed. Thank you
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Amazing how much better it’s sounding after a couple of days. Still not what I’d call easy.
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Yeah, still a fuzzy BARRE F but better than the mini Barre F!
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@rbpipesman I totally agree that this kind of barre is definitely better than the mini F, which I hate to play.
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I find the mini F much easier.
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Hey Ton, didn’t you used to wear glasses?
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@eldooD this is a younger version of Tony so he probably does wear glasses. You can tell by the fact that he has fewer tattoos.
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very astute of you, thanks
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These barre chords are a struggle but the lesson helps me to picture how they are created. Keep on keeping on
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If you are looking at the world through rose colored glasses…feeling on top of the world, may I suggest a little Barre Chord practice. It’s a bumpy landing to be sure. Sometimes the magic works and sometimes (right after) the magic is gone. I will have to practice the Barre chords for a long time to get the consistency I need. Then on to transitioning…Oy. Small win, I’m keeping at it and am very slowly getting better.
-
B is always my dud! I’ll keep at it. I practice this exercise for a few minutes, then give myself a couple minutes to play something I enjoy from previous weeks, then go back to the exercise, back n forth. It helps give my fretting hand a break and adds layers of enjoyment to the challenging stuff, almost like a little reward for stepping out of my comfort zone for a bit.
-
E shape bar cords have been a strength of mine ever since playing rock n roll in the 60’s. Also play barre cords by wrapping thumb around the neck to get the low e string, aids in pressing down other strings.
-
The G string sometimes is a dud but I was able to get it done reasonably well
-
@peter_m, yep, got the washboard imprint on the fingers! With short practice sessions, I hope to increase my BCS, i.e. barre chord stamina! Subtle changes in position and pressure are required to get the chord to ring true. Thanks, @Bill_Brown, for the succinct FW tip. I’ve been through the course once (actually, I have two days of instruction to complete it), so I know the Nashville number system, but I didn’t realize that pattern for the I, IV, V with the E and A shaped barre chords- COOL! Thanks!
-
And tomorrow I’ll give a fretboard tip on where the 4 & 5 chords are (and what shape) when using an A shape barre chord for the 1 chord – in the meantime, see if you can work it out for yourself!
-
-
My barre chords sound good, and they have for a long time. I’ve been doing these exercises as part of my warm up for a couple of years through the better barre chords course at TAC. My challenge is transitioning to the barre chord in a song. I am clumsy and slow–it’s what I need to focus on–transitions!
-
Nope! Gotta keep working at it but so far the B string always remains a thud. My win is that I can play the A-shaped B chord and that’s something I didn’t know until yesterday. Mini F is coming along better and better but this F is a no go
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Better than the 1st time so improving. Still a ways to go but improvement is improvement, no matter how small!
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Wasn’t as bad as i thought. Just had to make sure all pressure it on when I do the full strum F chord.
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All is well except the B string. Trouble getting it to sound clear.
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Keep practising!
-
After completing the lesson as presented, I like to play a 1-4-5 progression using the E and A shape barre chords. Playing the F chord as an E shaped barre chord is my 1 chord. If I continue barring the 1st fret but switch to an A shaped barre chord, then I’m playing the 4 chord (Bb chord). Then I can move that A shaped barre chord up 2 frets and I’m playing the 5 chord (C chord). Now you FW grads all know this, but for those who don’t, you can play 1-4-5 progressions all over the neck by starting with the E shaped barre chord (any fret), then switching to the A shaped barre chord while still barring the same fret, and then moving that A shape up 2 frets.
Have fun all 🙂-
And now you have literally thousands of songs in your toolbox. (If one can just remember the lyrics!)
-
LOL, LOL, LOL @albert_d
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@Bill_Brown great tip. I guess I knew that once upon a time when I did the FBW course but thanks for the reminder. I tried it with the keys of F, F sharp, and D and it works like a charm. I guess I need to take another trip down FBW lane to get re-schooled on the Nashville numbering system and the CAGED system.
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Painful L wrist, but will keep at it.
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Can’t wait until next week. LOL
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I do not like the bar chords but that’s why I’m practicing
-
I’m endeavoring to develop the strongest most furious F chord in my county but have a long way to go. However, as I discovered today, not as far as yesterday. Onward!
-
Hard to keep this old athletic hand down for all of this exercise!
-
Better than Tuesday…but not by much. fingers still hurt from yesterday….. Practice!
-
easy strum Creep by Radiohead, E shaped chords on 3rd, 7th and 8th fret (e major and then e minor shapes)….
-
Does anyone else have dents in their index fingers and fingertips from doing this exercise?
-
LOL, you are a funny man @peter_m. My fingers will hold the washboard look for about an hour. I just need to practice more. Have a great day.
-
Yes!
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@peter_m my answer would be an emphatic yes. Also I’m getting some pretty sizable callouses on my fingers but that’s okay. They keep the pain level down somewhat.
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Congratulations, !
Challenge complete
Come back tomorrow for your next challenge
I’ve worked on the F chord for some time now and it’s getting better. I’m more comfortable moving my index up past the neck a little. The notes on all strings sound clear but at times the low E string is buzzy. Hand fatigue is a slight problem but I’m hoping with time my endurance will improve.
Usually, the more I play the better I get. The more I play the F chord, the more tired my hand gets, the worst it sounds. I will practice to build strength in my hand.
Of all the chords the F chord from today has sounded the best out of all the barre chords. Still a bit of muting going on but better than the other days! I am seeing progress!
Tony,
It would helpful if you shared exactly where your invisible thumb is placed behind the neck! It seems to work best when the thumb opposes the base of the index finger at the level of the B string, which is the peskiest string to sound clearly.
Mini Barre F, E shaped barre chord – it doesn’t matter. I’m currently unable to do it. In both cases, I simply am unable to get anything resembling clarity out of the B and high E strings. Especially if I am doing the E shaped barre chord. The A, D and G strings seem to work, but the other three are a lost cause. My index finger simply won’t rotate enough for me to get good contact across the E, B and high E strings. Color me discouraged. I’ll keep working it, though.
SAME
@GaryRC I feel your frustration because I have felt exactly the same. It may not help you but, for what it’s worth, the problem may be in the guitar you’re using. When I try to make barre chords on my Martin it’s next to impossible because the strings are too far above the fretboard. On my other guitar, a cheap Recording King, the action is lower and it’s much easier to make barre chords. If you have another guitar, it might be worth it to try the barre chords on it (or them).
I appreciate the tip. Unfortunately, this is my one and only, so I have no choice but to do “the best I can”. I’m satisfied, and that’s what counts. I can always use the A and E shape barre chords, without the low and high E strings. That suffices in a pinch.
Thanks again for reading my notes and commenting.
Extra light strings, a professionally setup guitar…makes a huge difference in making good bar chords…truss rod adjustment by knowledgeable tech…all the best !
Not perfect, but definitely better than at the beginning of week. Glad you’re making us focus on these difficult chord shapes.
Is it typical to have to put down alot of pressure on my index finger or is it a function that my finger is not laying down correctly (I have a small angle of the index finger). I get tremendous amount of hand and elbow pain when doing the barre chord. Any ideas on if this is normal or I am just not doing it right. My guitar has been set up and I have light strings. Thx!
Dave, I’ll have to admit that I have to hang on for dear life to get barre chords , but, remember to focus on the high E, low E and B strings and roll your index finger a little. I often have to move my index finger a little and pick the string until I get rid of the buzz. For me, it’s always a work in progress. Keep at it and you’ll get it. Good luck.
After 54 years, I have conquered the F Barre Chord!!! Big win!!
Challenging but important to keep trying,agree the b string is the most difficult
I have f bar chord down, so I have been moving up the neck doing g,a,b,c and d. I must adjust my hand position as I move up the neck.
Good exercise, should make this a daily routine.
I also prefer this over the mini F.
I can do this but become fatigued and uncomfortable after about a minute or less. Makes me realize how much I need to work on strength. I’ll keep at it.
I’ m having a real tough time with bar cord. Trying to put the pressure on all strings is a challenge
Feeling pretty good about my barre chords – I think I get a B+.
If this was an exam I probably got a C. I’ll keep at it and incorporate the barre F into songs I play.
Working on it. Thanks to @SharonSings for encouragement yesterday.
Everything except that stinkin’ B string!
I love the work this week. It is difficult for me to get consistent on the B string but slowly making progress. I can see where adding these exercises even a few minutes a week will pay off. Something to look forward to.
This one came together fairly quickly. I have to agree that it is easier than the mini F . That is my nemesis….
I struggle with the mini also.
I could do it better a couple of days ago; now it’s all gone to … pieces.
Musch more difficult than yesterday. But managed to do it.
Much improved in just a couple of days. Thanks!
I confess I’m not enjoying the Barre chords. Having a really hard time. I tried though.
This is a good one to start out with a little at a time. When I started barre cords – “ouch” for finders and ears! I’m still not perfect but can get them done.
I started with just one run through and then went to something else. Come back did two runs and another break. I and do about 40-60 seconds before my fingers give out. (Longer than any songs require me to hold a F-barre thankfully.)
This is not as fancy as some review weeks but it’s nice to come back to barre cords and feel and hear the improvements.
Thank You Tony
I was able to complete the challenge after several attempts. My problem is that my index finger slides down a little bit toward the body as I am ascending so by the time I get back to the low F it is a little muted. It took several attempts to get it right. I can see that this test is going to be something I need to add to my daily routine. Not looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge. A shaped B chords are my nemeses (or one of them anyway).
A win for another full week of barre chord challenges…..not easy & more practice time with this including fingers strength is needed. Thank you
Amazing how much better it’s sounding after a couple of days. Still not what I’d call easy.
Yeah, still a fuzzy BARRE F but better than the mini Barre F!
@rbpipesman I totally agree that this kind of barre is definitely better than the mini F, which I hate to play.
I find the mini F much easier.
Hey Ton, didn’t you used to wear glasses?
@eldooD this is a younger version of Tony so he probably does wear glasses. You can tell by the fact that he has fewer tattoos.
very astute of you, thanks
These barre chords are a struggle but the lesson helps me to picture how they are created. Keep on keeping on
If you are looking at the world through rose colored glasses…feeling on top of the world, may I suggest a little Barre Chord practice. It’s a bumpy landing to be sure. Sometimes the magic works and sometimes (right after) the magic is gone. I will have to practice the Barre chords for a long time to get the consistency I need. Then on to transitioning…Oy. Small win, I’m keeping at it and am very slowly getting better.
B is always my dud! I’ll keep at it. I practice this exercise for a few minutes, then give myself a couple minutes to play something I enjoy from previous weeks, then go back to the exercise, back n forth. It helps give my fretting hand a break and adds layers of enjoyment to the challenging stuff, almost like a little reward for stepping out of my comfort zone for a bit.
E shape bar cords have been a strength of mine ever since playing rock n roll in the 60’s. Also play barre cords by wrapping thumb around the neck to get the low e string, aids in pressing down other strings.
The G string sometimes is a dud but I was able to get it done reasonably well
@peter_m, yep, got the washboard imprint on the fingers! With short practice sessions, I hope to increase my BCS, i.e. barre chord stamina! Subtle changes in position and pressure are required to get the chord to ring true. Thanks, @Bill_Brown, for the succinct FW tip. I’ve been through the course once (actually, I have two days of instruction to complete it), so I know the Nashville number system, but I didn’t realize that pattern for the I, IV, V with the E and A shaped barre chords- COOL! Thanks!
And tomorrow I’ll give a fretboard tip on where the 4 & 5 chords are (and what shape) when using an A shape barre chord for the 1 chord – in the meantime, see if you can work it out for yourself!
My barre chords sound good, and they have for a long time. I’ve been doing these exercises as part of my warm up for a couple of years through the better barre chords course at TAC. My challenge is transitioning to the barre chord in a song. I am clumsy and slow–it’s what I need to focus on–transitions!
Nope! Gotta keep working at it but so far the B string always remains a thud. My win is that I can play the A-shaped B chord and that’s something I didn’t know until yesterday. Mini F is coming along better and better but this F is a no go
Better than the 1st time so improving. Still a ways to go but improvement is improvement, no matter how small!
Wasn’t as bad as i thought. Just had to make sure all pressure it on when I do the full strum F chord.
All is well except the B string. Trouble getting it to sound clear.
Keep practising!
After completing the lesson as presented, I like to play a 1-4-5 progression using the E and A shape barre chords. Playing the F chord as an E shaped barre chord is my 1 chord. If I continue barring the 1st fret but switch to an A shaped barre chord, then I’m playing the 4 chord (Bb chord). Then I can move that A shaped barre chord up 2 frets and I’m playing the 5 chord (C chord). Now you FW grads all know this, but for those who don’t, you can play 1-4-5 progressions all over the neck by starting with the E shaped barre chord (any fret), then switching to the A shaped barre chord while still barring the same fret, and then moving that A shape up 2 frets.
Have fun all 🙂
And now you have literally thousands of songs in your toolbox. (If one can just remember the lyrics!)
LOL, LOL, LOL @albert_d
@Bill_Brown great tip. I guess I knew that once upon a time when I did the FBW course but thanks for the reminder. I tried it with the keys of F, F sharp, and D and it works like a charm. I guess I need to take another trip down FBW lane to get re-schooled on the Nashville numbering system and the CAGED system.
Painful L wrist, but will keep at it.
Can’t wait until next week. LOL
I do not like the bar chords but that’s why I’m practicing
I’m endeavoring to develop the strongest most furious F chord in my county but have a long way to go. However, as I discovered today, not as far as yesterday. Onward!
Hard to keep this old athletic hand down for all of this exercise!
Better than Tuesday…but not by much. fingers still hurt from yesterday….. Practice!
easy strum Creep by Radiohead, E shaped chords on 3rd, 7th and 8th fret (e major and then e minor shapes)….
Does anyone else have dents in their index fingers and fingertips from doing this exercise?
LOL, you are a funny man @peter_m. My fingers will hold the washboard look for about an hour. I just need to practice more. Have a great day.
Yes!
@peter_m my answer would be an emphatic yes. Also I’m getting some pretty sizable callouses on my fingers but that’s okay. They keep the pain level down somewhat.